dv9admin - Noelgifts

7 Things You Should Know About Hari Raya Puasa

Gear up for a festive celebration filled with scrumptious treats and fun this Hari Raya!

Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan; a period for Muslims to practice gratitude, forgiveness, and repentance through physical and spiritual cleansing. From the 20th day of Ramadhan, families will begin to prepare for the month of festivities by cleaning their homes, putting up decorations and ready the ingredients needed for their feast.

During Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims would partake a wide array of exciting activities, including praying in the mosque, a get-together between friends and families, and grave visiting.

That said, how well do you really know this occasion? Read on for 7 things you should know about Hari Raya Puasa…

#1: Hari Raya Greetings

In Malay, Hari Raya translates to a ‘grand day of rejoicing’ and is one of the customary greetings used among family and friends to wish the person celebrating a joyous celebration. Another greeting that you may have heard is ‘Eid Mubarak’, which is the Arabic equivalent. Since Hari Raya is also a time for forgiveness, the term ‘Maaf Zahir dan Batin’ would often be used by those seeking forgiveness for the offences they may have made in the previous year.

#2: Colourful and Lovely Decorations

Nothing sets the celebratory mood like vibrant ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ signs, colourful string lights, and ornaments. These decorations tend to be simple yet colourful, bringing a special touch during this once-in-a-year celebration.

#3: Traditional Outfits

Muslim families in Singapore often don matching-coloured traditional outfits for a sense of unity during Hari Raya – baju kurung or baju kebaya for ladies, and baju melayu with a kain samping for men. Many ladies would wear the hijab to cover their heads whereas men would wear a songkok on their heads.

#4: Sumptuous Food and Snacks

If there’s one thing you can expect from your Hari Raya visitations, it’s that you’re bound to leave with a full stomach! With kitchens filled with delightful fragrances of traditional dishes like rendang and lontong, to living rooms decked with classic favourites like kuih bangkit, pineapple tarts and ondeh-ondeh, you are guaranteed to be well-fed.

#5: Green Packets

What was historically given to the poor and needy, ‘duit raya’ has now evolved into a customary gift. These green packets will contain money are handed out by Malay Muslim elders to younger children, as a form of generosity and reward for completing the month of fasting. Green packets may also be given to the elders in the family as a gesture of respect.

#6: Gifts

Action speaks louder than words! Seize the opportunity to bring a lovely and heartfelt gift as a token of appreciation to loved ones. From aesthetic and vibrant Hari Raya flowers to brighten home spaces, to gift hampers filled to the brim with traditional goodies and snacks, grab one here before heading for visitations.

#7: Shopping and Bazaars

Soak in the festive atmosphere by visiting the famous Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar from now till 22 April! Enjoy the streets lined with prominent lights and decorations as you take a bite of the mouth-watering goodies and treats. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a performance or two.

Apart from the bazaar, some Hari Raya shopping hot spots include those within the Geylang Serai vicinity, Joo Chiat Complex and, Tanjong Katong Complex — and Raya bazaars even Haji Lane and Woodlands for the best selection of traditional outfits, food, and snacks.

With Hari Raya Puasa right round the corner, let Noel Gifts help you take celebrations up a notch! Check out our selection of Hari Raya Flowers and Gift Hampers delivery just for you here, and our Online Exclusive Collection with Up to 15% Off while stocks last right here .

Selamat Hari Raya Puasa to all our Muslim family and friends and have a splendid time together this month!

A Guide to Sustainability, Hamper Edition: 5 Simple Steps to a Greener Future

Gift hampers are a brilliant way to show loved ones how much you care – both giving and receiving, for a variety of occasions including baby hampers, birthday hampers or even get well soon hampers. With year-end festivities just over especially, we are sure you might have received plenty of lovely gifts! However, after gift hamper contents have been used, what can we do with its packaging? Instead of simply throwing them away, consider reusing them in creative ways.

Hop on board with Noel Gifts as we take you on an exciting journey on how different materials can be reused, recycled, or upcycled. Give second life to packaging by turning trash to treasure – converting leftovers which would otherwise be discarded into something new, unique, and functional.

Read on and let our step-by-step guide spark some ideas on how you can get started on the road to sustainability!

#1: Baskets – Convert them into storage and decorative elements for spiced-up living spaces

Being one of the most versatile hamper elements, gourmet or fruit baskets can be reused sustainably in an array of functions. Firstly, baskets are great storage solutions; perfect for organising and displaying items from fruits, vegetables, and snacks to towels or blankets. Secondly, use them to decorate or spice up living spaces. Baskets can double up as mini planters, add a special touch to your coffee or dining table, or make your weekend picnic date extra aesthetic!

#2: Boxes – Reuse and incorporate them in organising and storage

Just like baskets, boxes are highly functional to fulfil your organisation and storage needs when reused creatively. With hamper boxes coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, smaller boxes can be used as stationery holders in office or beside jewellery storages, while larger ones can function as wardrobe organisers or kitchen storage solutions. Get one step further and think out-of-the-box by painting, wrapping, or decorating them and voilà! – you have an upcycled item right there.

#3: Ribbons – Complement existing items or add a pop of colour to your outfit

The most essential and eye-pleasing part of gift hampers – ribbons! Give these lovely elements second life by tying them around vases, lamps, or furniture to revamp your home for special occasions. Ribbons can also be reused for gift wrapping or decorating cards and invitations. Fancy a dainty look? Add a pop of colour with ribbons as clothing or hair accessories to elevate any outfit.

#4: Gift Wrappers – Channel your inner Picasso by upcycling creatively

Nothing beats unravelling a delightful surprise. By carefully unwrapping and preserving packaging, gift wrappers coming in all sorts of colours, patterns and designs can be reused or upcycled innovatively. From re-wrapping small gifts for loved ones, to creating homemade origami, envelopes, scrapbooking or lining shelves and drawers, the ideas are limitless. This is especially so for kraft wrappers which are mostly biodegradable and recyclable.

#5: Shredded or Crepe Paper – Don’t bin them, put them to functional use

Packaging fillers like shredded, crepe or tissue paper are staples for hamper gift delivery, but we are certain they are often discarded since they seemingly serve no useful function upon unpacking. Here’s how you can put them to good use instead! Keep them aside as insulation when packing delicate items for shipping or storage. These fillers can even be used as bases for floral arrangements, or even DIY crepe paper flower bouquets which your eco-friendly buddy will definitely appreciate.

With many ways to be creative and resourceful, give fresh life to unexpected materials by reducing waste and repurposing them into something beautiful and unique, honing your artsy hands-on skills at the same time. Be proud that you are taking first steps to a sustainable lifestyle and contributing to mother nature! For any gifts you may receive – from birthday hampers to fruit baskets, give it a try and put your newfound knowledge into action, it’s easy.